Are you an owner of a public or commercial building reviewing the emergency exits on your premises? Or Are you looking to learn about panic hardware and ensure you are following all rules and regulations?
Below, we have provided a clear guide about the specifications and required applications for emergency exit and panic hardware.
What is exit hardware for?
It is important to provide quick, easy exit and escape routes for commercial and public buildings in case of emergencies such as fires. Emergency exit and panic hardware can play a key role ensuring people can evacuate a building as easily and safely as possible when needed.
Fitting exit hardware devices provide the users of a building with a safe way to escape without compromising the security of a building. Emergency locks and panic hardware can be installed internally and externally.
What are the different types of panic hardware?
Panic hardware is an emergency exit device installed to allow for a fast and easy evacuation. Emergency exit and panic hardware can include items such as;
- Panic bars (also known as a crash bar or push bar) is a door component and the mechanism that is attached to the door will unlatch without the need of a key, twisting door handles or pushing handle leavers. You simply push the bar for the mechanism to retract. The spring panic bar fits horizontally on the inside of the door making it easy for people to see the device and open the door outwards for an easy exit.
- Push pads with latches and bolts are designed for applications where a final exit door is to be used only by trained personnel that have prior knowledge of the device and a panic situation is unlikely to occur.
- Key containers in which you can install emergency keys so they are visible and safe. This will require you to break the glass of the container to retrieve emergency keys to be able to unlock any emergency exits.
- Escape bolts are a type of panic hardware designed to keep emergency exits secure, but allowing for an easy evacuation when an emergency occurs.
Benefits of panic hardware:
There are many benefits to having panic hardware installed in your premises. Here are some of the key benefits that we wanted to highlight:
- Safety – Panic hardware is safe in how they are in terms of streamlining evacuation as well as non emergency situations. For example panic bars allow emergency exits to remain locked from the outside of the building to prevent unauthorised people from accessing the building but they will also allow for an easy exit in times of emergencies.
- Affordability – Panic hardware can be considerably inexpensive when you compare them to the cost of buying new doors, appliances and services of a locksmith specialist.
- Lower insurance rates for your building – Property and building managers are always looking for ways to improve building safety. Panic hardware are affordable safety devices that can help lower insurance costs for buildings as you are taking the appropriate safety measures for your building.
What are the specifications and regulations for panic hardware?
What types of buildings need panic hardware?
Panic bars are required on buildings that are intended for assembly, educational or high hazard activities. The International Building Code (IBC) calls for panic hardware on buildings with an occupancy of 50 or more people; the National Fire Protection Agency requires it for buildings able to hold 100 people or more. High-hazard facilities containing electrical equipment with certain specifications are bound by the National Electric Code to provide panic hardware on any building regardless of occupancy numbers.
Panic Hardware Regulations
The two different types of regulations for panic hardware are called EN179 and EN1125.
EN179
EN179 includes push pads and lever handle devices which can be used in areas where members of the public do not have access to. These are applicable for buildings such as offices and factories.
EN1125
EN1125 includes push bars and touch bar devices. These must be used in areas in which members of public have access to such as, schools, public buildings and places of entertainment.